How to file for unemployment travel nurse assignments in Washington ESD

Thanks! Do I need to register with WorkSourceWA even though I work with travel agencies?

Yes, you still need to register with WorkSourceWA and complete the job search activities. You can document your contacts with travel agencies and applications through nursing job boards.

How long did the adjudication process take for you? I'm worried about the gap between assignments.

It took about 5 weeks total. I couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to check on the status. Finally used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Travel nurses can get unemployment between assignments as long as they're actively seeking work. The key is documenting your job search efforts appropriately for your field.

Yeah, you just have to show you're looking for work within your profession. Travel nursing agencies count as valid job contacts.

Use your current address where you can receive mail. If you're between housing, use a reliable address where Washington ESD can reach you.

Ok that makes sense. I'm staying with family between assignments so I'll use their address.

That's really helpful! Can I count reaching out to multiple agencies in one day as separate contacts?

Yes, each agency contact counts separately. Just make sure you're documenting the specific agency name, contact method, and date for each one.

I'm dreading this part. The website looks really complicated.

It's not too bad once you get started. Just have all your employment history ready - dates, addresses, wages, reason for leaving each assignment.

Did they eventually approve your claim? I'm worried they'll think I quit voluntarily.

Yes, it got approved after adjudication. Make sure you clearly state that each assignment was a temporary contract that ended as scheduled, not a quit or termination.

What if I do some PRN shifts while waiting for my next assignment?

Report all PRN income on your weekly claim. You can still receive partial benefits if your weekly earnings are below a certain threshold.

Yes, you can collect benefits while doing credentialing as long as you're able and available for work. The credentialing process doesn't count as refusing suitable work.

Good to know! The credentialing for my next assignment is taking forever.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. For like $20 they got me through to someone at Washington ESD in minutes instead of hours. Check out claimyr.com - totally worth it when you need actual answers.

I'll look into that. I can't keep taking whole days off just to sit on hold.

What's the difference exactly? I thought they were the same thing.

Able and available means you're physically/mentally capable of working and not restricted by other commitments. Actively seeking work means you're actually applying for jobs and making contacts.

That's smart! Did you include that in the initial application or wait until they asked?

I included it in the initial application in the comments section. Better to over-explain than have them confused during adjudication.

Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. If that doesn't work, you might need to create a new SAW account.

thanks ill try that

How do they verify wages from other states? Do I need to provide anything extra?

They do it automatically through their system, but having your pay stubs ready can speed things up if there are any discrepancies.

Washington doesn't have a waiting week requirement anymore. You can potentially receive benefits for the first week you file if eligible.

Oh that's good news! I was worried about having no income for that first week.

What kind of proof did they want? Screenshots of applications?

They wanted contact names, dates, method of contact, and follow-up actions. I used the WorkSourceWA job search log to track everything.

Generally, housing and meal stipends don't count as wages for unemployment calculations. Only your taxable hourly wages count toward your benefit amount.

That makes sense. I was wondering why my benefit amount seemed lower than expected.

Adjudication can take forever, especially for travel workers. I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when mine was stuck. Worth every penny to get answers about what's holding up your claim.

I'll check that out. I need to know what's going on with my claim.

What if I take a short-term assignment? Like a 1-2 week fill-in?

You'd need to report that income and probably wouldn't be eligible for benefits those weeks. But you can resume your claim after the assignment ends.

Congratulations! This gives me hope that mine will work out too.

Don't give up! The process is slow but they do understand travel healthcare work once they review everything properly.